i would like to see how suspension goes, i have a 2015 fwd i want to lift around 6 inches including larger tires but have only found 2 inch lift kits

 

Talking with the local garage here, we both came to the conclusion that its possible just going to be costly, not an issue for me, it would take major suspension overhauling and the addition of an upper control arm, to suit my standards.

 

Why though? You'll spend thousands and thousands to get the performance of a TJ with a mild lift and reservoir shocks.

 

Well I dont want a rock crawler I want decent off road speed performance, plus originality. I have money to spend why not spend it on what will make me happy.

 

I wasn't talking about building a rock crawler. I would guess long term either this won't happen, or when it's all said and done you won't be very happy. (When you realize how much you spent, how little performance you have, and what you could have had starting with any number of better platforms.)

 

It would be to easy to buy a Wrangler, or another Raptor or a 4runner or even my 17 F350 and get bolt ons. I want something unique, I payed cash for this vehicle brand new, money isn't a concern, I already know (ish) how much I'm going to spend on things, most work will be done by me, the satisfaction of having the only Patriot out there like mine is enough to justify this for me.

 

Its the same logic that restores an old car. Sure you can buy something new that will have all the benefits of a couple generations of technology. Or you can transform a rust-bucket into something that looks like it did when it rolled off the assembly line 70 years ago.

Its the same reason people collect stamps, feed birds, or plant tomatoes. You could just use the stamps and mail your letters; the birds won't starve, and you can buy tomatoes at the grocery store for 79c.

Ever been told to "get a life"? Looks like Medel801 has one!

 

I'm not happy starting with a better platform, I've done it before and while it was fun, I was satisfied taking the easy route, the car community would be what it is without people taking a vehicle like the Patriot and making it perform like a Pre Runner.

 

I will definitely be interested to see what you put together! Good luck with it because it's going to cost you big $$$$

 

Just ordered the Round Tubing for the bumper, picking it up either today or tomorrow then I'll get a tube bender and get to work.

 

I'm doing what I can to make mine into a Class-7 Baja 1000 competitor, but it's hard saving up for anything decent. At this point it's getting old enough that keeping it on the road is getting a bit more challenging, as I can't always afford(and/or don't have time for) repairs, with how much I'm on the road trucking. From what I've found, a professionally-done chromaly roll cage will run $15,000 and upgrading the suspension will run possibly $5,000. Those two things and improving the engine/ECU/CVT are my main concerns. Light bars, BFGoodrich KO2's, and a couple good bumpers are relatively easy to obtain by comparison.

 

And for the suspension, don't try to just drop the wheels. Extend the entire suspension(axles, control arms, the works) so you can get the same or similar not-so-stressed angles you get now. Also, switch out those CV axles for thicker, U-joint based axles if possible.

 

Yeah that's the plan, I'm looking into either legthining the entire suspension or swapping it out completely and/or adding a sub frame and straight axles and engine swap, I have a friend who does rally roll cages and he could help me build one as long as I buy the metal. I'm not looking for 6 inches buy a at most 4 and longer travel, nothing serious.

 

Very interested in the outcome, specially the new suspension system.

 

It'll take time, especially since I just bought my new F350 so that gets front stage over the Pat, but it'll happen soon.

 

Just took the bumper off! Tomorrow gunna make some mounting plates and mock up the general shape!

 

Almost done with the exhaust just waiting on a muffler, heres a sound clip before the muffler!

 

Apparently my link didnt get put in.

 

Just bought LED turn signals off of the JK and they'll be here tomorrow, I'll see if I can't get them installed either Friday or Saturday, they're kinda cheesy but for the price and to get LED they'll work till I find something I like better.

 

Almost finished with the bumper, just need a skid plate and a few other adjustments. Any feed back is appreciated.

 

Have two rear AUX lights wired in and temp mounted with cable ties. Let me know of any other suggestions yall have

 

Depends on how far you wanna go. http://score-international.com/raceinfo/rule-book/truck-classes/class-7/

 

Hey thanks for that! Thatll give me some good ideas!

 

That's what I wanna do with mine. $$$$$ just isn't flowing in fast enough for it at the moment, especially with bills to pay and current maintenance looming on the Jeep.

 

Also, the best bet for a good multipurpose tire, and a Baja/prerunner champ at that, is the KO2. Pretty heavy, but the Patriot has been known to handle it pretty well in LT225/65R17. I wanna make mine handle LT265/75R16 or something in that range as part of my build, but time will tell. https://www.discounttiredirect.com/buy-tires/bfgoodrich-all-terrain-t-a-ko2/p/32073

 

I love that tire, I run it on all of my personal trucks and company trucks!. Ill probably head that direction with the patriot or maybe tone it down a bit, but I don't have a whole lot of time to fiddle with it.

 

Hey medel, is that an OB sticker I see?

Any plans for a rear bumper?

I'm running the KO2s and like them. The pat was slow from the factory so the heavier tires don't make a difference there. At highway speeds (70-80 mph down here in Texas) my mileage is also 21-24 just like it was before and it gets across sand and mud much easier now.

 

Yes it is an OB sticker! I'll have to try the KO2s out on the Pat. Im not incredibly worried about speed, as you said it was already slow. Yeah I have plans for it, probably gunna have a shop build one soon as I can take a day off.